L&H Photography ~ Our Blog

"Rocking Concert Photography and Extreme Sports" with Guest Blogger Michelle Hedstrom ~ Ogre Photography

11/11/2011 10:31:00 AM

Rocking

Concert

Photography

& Extreme Sports

with Guest Blogger

(Ogre Photography's ~

Michelle Hedstrom)

INTRODUCTION:

One of the things I love most about my job is the cool people I get to meet and hang out with. Michelle Hedstrom from Colorado is one of the people I refer to when I say getting to hang out with the "Cool Kids".

Michelle and I met while we were in Vegas for classes back in September.

It took us no time at all to determine that we had a common interest in photographing Extreme Sports. Michelle wowed me with her sports action photography and concert images captured from the pit during live concerts.

When I returned, Michelle invited me to be a guest blogger on her website: http://ogrephotography.com

Today, Michelle has been kind enough to return the favor and share some of her Amazing images ~ Check out the link above to see more of her work, I know will be wowed. Enjoy! ~ Trish

Thanks to Trish for turning the tables on me and having me take over her blog for the day!

My name is Michelle Hedstrom, I run Ogre Photography,

I do sports and concert photography. I've learned a lot over time, and still have more to learn, but the two biggest things I've learned are that you have to take chances and just try new things, and don't be scared to ask for something.

Ever since computers came out in some form, I've been a computer geek. I loved spending time playing Atari 2600, messing around on the Apple II, and learning to program. Graduating college, I immediately started working as a programmer, and did that for 15 years before getting laid off from my current company. I had been laid off before, and always gotten another computer job, but this time felt different. I wasn't enjoying programming anymore. I started trying to figure out what else I could do.

We had a Canon 20D and a few lenses (my husband went on a photography kick one time but never learned too much about it), so I spent time learning how to use the camera. I was already a NAPP and Kelby Training member, but had never spent a lot of time on those sites, so here was a great opportunity to check them out!

Now the question became: what kind of photography did I want to try to specialize in? Initially I thought about wildlife and landscapes. I mean, I'm in Colorado, it's perfect for landscapes! Until I realized that I didn't have the patience for wildlife photography, and didn't want to be locked into sunrise/sunset for landscapes.

Then I got a random opportunity to shoot at the Denver Broncos Training Camp. I had no idea what I was doing since I hadn't shot any sports before, but darned if I didn't just have the best time. Once I thought about it, transitioning to sports made sense for me, since I've been an athletic tomboy since I was a kid.

Motocross is quickly becoming my favorite sport to shoot as well. There's so many different kids of shots and angles, and you have to be super careful to not get hit by a bike. :)

Concerts came later, and I'll blame Alan Hess for that. I met him at the Vegas Photoshop World in 2010, and after talking to him, and hearing about his concert precon, I honestly was just going to take it for fun in the spring.

However before attending that PSW, I decided I probably should go shoot a concert just to see what it was like.

Again, I had no idea what I was doing, but not only did I have fun, but I liked some of my shots. Taking the precon kind of sealed my addiction after that.

So that's where I am today. I never would've thought when I was listening to all those 80's hair bands that not only would some of them still be playing today (Warrant and Skid Row to name two), but I'd have a chance to be in the photo pit shooting some of them. And getting to shoot the National Motocross Championships? Loved it!

To finish this post,

here's a couple of other things I've learned

1) You never stop learning
2) There's always someone better than you, just as there's always someone worse than you.
3) Find other people you respect, learn from them, and listen to them.4) Motocross tracks get very very muddy when they're wet, so you might want to not shoot right next to the track.
5) Hand holding a speedlite while trying to shoot motocross is extremely difficult, unless you're Dave Black.
6) It really is all about the networking - don't be scared to meet new people. Swap business cards, say hi, and follow up on Facebook, email, or where ever.
7) Don't be scared to ask for something. If they say 'no', you're no worse off than you are now. If they say 'yes', you're a step ahead.
8) Have fun with what you're doing.

========================================================

FMI: Check out Michelle's website at:

Ogre Photography ~ http://ogrephotography.com

The Importance of Prints

10/3/2011 1:56:00 PM

The Importance

of Prints

Last year at the end of a photography seminar I attended, another photographer friend made the comment...

"Printing pictures is becoming a thing of the past."

If you don't believe that, talk to a teenager.

They store all of their photos on digital devices

and care very little about prints.

I thought about this for a while,

it bothered me because I knew this was some what true.

Very few prints are made compared to the number of digital files many of us have on computers and other devices.

What does this leave for the future?
How will someone see my photography in 20 years?
Will the devices I choose now for storing my photos still work?

What if right now all my photos had been stored on 5.25" floppy disks, which was all the rage in the 1990's not even 20 years ago.

I know that there are still 5.25" floppy disks and readers out there because I researched it for this blog, but I also know they are considered obsolete.

I do have a large collection of printed pictures, old ones of aunts and uncles, myself with my brothers and sisters growing up,

my children, places I have been, etc.

(this is a photo of my son Ryan with my Dad).

The tin-type in the title above is of my great grandfather

from the 1800's which I value deeply.

I have many of my prints backed up on negatives, CDs & several external hard drives. I don't actually have any on floppy disks.

I have decided to print more of my personal work.

I want my grand kids to be able to see them easily in 20 years.

I have my digital files, but I want some prints of my photo history that can be seen for sure with out having to worry about if a device will work or did I leave my computers password handy so in 20 years my relatives will be able to look at my old photos too!

Capturing the Champs with Alex Grace of Graceful Images

9/30/2011 1:21:00 PM

I recently attended a workshop & was asked to bring along things that inspire me. I took images from magazines and the web, copies of paintings and lots of other things.

The only down side of the weekend, was that we were in a location with no cell coverage or internet.

I mention this because... during my ride home, my phone started chirping away that I had messages, one of which was from my friend Alex Grace of Graceful Images. I called him back and he told me his big news that he was pursuing his dream of opening his own photography studio. I was so excited for him, because I know he had the drive to make it happen and the talent to see it through.

Alex hates when I say he is young but to me he is. In my eyes he will always be that kid that pushed out of his comfort zone because he loved photography so much he couldn't imagine not moving forward with it.

We met in Las Vegas in 2010 at Photoshop World

and stayed friends, sharing ideas and chatting about photography throughout the year.

This year we got to hang out together again at PSW.

The thing that has always struck me about Alex is that he works hard to get where he wants to be, educates himself and settles for nothing less than working toward being more than just an ordinary photographer, pushing to be exceptional.

Hmmm. So when I thought about what inspires me... I thought of my pal Alex and asked him to share some of his awesome action swimming photography and a bit of himself as well. Enjoy ~ Trish

==============================================

Wow, my first guest post on someone else's blog! Very exciting! I'm a portrait & and commercial photographer/graphic designer from Scottsburg, IN.

I met Trish at Photoshop World two years ago and she has graciously asked me to write a guest post for her blog about my swimming photography!

Capturing the Champs

I've been shooting the Scottsburg Swim Team for over three years now. I was only sixteen when I first asked Jason, the coach, if I could take some pictures of my friend Jess during practice, he responded "I don't care, just don't get in the way."

I started small, just taking a few shots here and there during practice, always making sure I wasn't in the way. The one advantage I had then was the fact that I was the same age as most of these kids. I made some really close friends, and even Jason started to warm up to me. The more comfortable they (and their coach) got, the longer I stuck around.

With the large amount of time I was spending with them I finally started getting some great shots. The second year my friend Brooke's mom asked if I wanted a ride to the sectional meet,

I excitedly said yes.

That night I got some of my best pictures so far:

I was happy, but not content with those shots. They were just too far back, I needed more reach!

The next year I made a deal with a fellow photographer exchanging some assisting time for use of a 70-200 2.8 lens. Now it was on! I went to the Warrior Invitational

& got more of the kind of shots I was looking for:

The team was thrilled with their pictures, and their huge trophies from winning both boys and girls for their one home meet. A month later the boys & girls teams took conference titles again!

Now we're all awaiting another exciting season of Scottsburg swimming! The team is wrapping up their fall sports, and are going to start conditioning next month. The coach is getting in his hunting trips before the season begins. They'll make a run at continuing their domination of the Mid-Southern Conference

and I plan to be there to record it!

For more information about me

visit me at:

gracefulimages.net
& come add me on +Google,

I'd love to meet you!

Guest Blogging for My Photoshop World Pal Michelle Hedstrom

9/21/2011 11:04:00 AM

Answering Your Questions About...

GUEST BLOGGING FOR

PHOTOSHOP WORLD PAL

MICHELLE HEDSTROM OF

OGRE PHOTOGRAPHY

check her out on the web at:

www.ogrephotography.com

Glad to see that you have been reading our blog.

We got a HUGE response last Friday when we shared a guest blog spot we did for Michelle Hedstrom, of Ogre Photography,

a friend I met at Photoshop World in Las Vegas.

Many of you requested the full blog again, which you can find at:

http://www.ogrephotography.com/node/131

Excited about your response,

I wanted to share some additional thoughts about the experience:

Michelle Hedstrom and I met as part of a Facebook group headed to PSW~Vegas, there were probably 30 or more members in the FB page.

For some time prior to the PSW, we all exchanged comments, opinions and ideas on everything from illustration, graphic design, photography and Photoshop trying to figure out the best classes to take and of course always,

where to eat & what to drink when we got there.

(not in that order)

Once we everyone met and got to know each other a bit, we talked about equipment, what we could shoot while in Vegas and on one very funny day, we even had a creative collaboration on just to how much chaos we could cause in the floor of the expo, dragging in some of

the most talented, funny people I have ever met into the fun.

Along with everyone else in that group, we laughed hard and smiled often during our time at PSW. From the shoot in Nelson, NV on Monday morning with a very small group then at the face to face meeting with the cool kids at the House of Blues on Monday night.

We were having a BLAST as the weed started and PSW hadn't even begun.

Wednesday kicked off the Photoshop World conferences where we sat with small groups of friends, breaking off after the keynote to attend our classes. Some sessions we attended with friends and some alone.

We seemed to join coincidentally, however, day after day on the floor of the expo shooting at the Westcott booth and just hang out. We all talked, cameras, Photoshop, lighting, freebies and giveaways, who had what... and of course the lists of what we all wanted but couldn't afford.

We looked at our friend's portfolios on iPads, iPhones, cell phones and even beautiful matted prints. We shared, we learned and we laughed.

I enjoyed the friends I made that week, was glad to be a guest blogger for Michelle and hope that she will be doing the same for me very soon. I look forward to her sharing her love of concert photography

and extreme action sports.

I know when you see her amazing images you will be as floored as I was!

Keep an eye out!

Thanks again for following our blog and emailing me your questions!

My Week in Review ~ Vegas Style!

9/14/2011 10:39:00 PM

My Week in Review...

Vegas Style!

Wow... Where do I start?

I just came back from LasVegas where I spent 6 days, making some amazing images and

amazing friends.

My trip was planned a year ago when I attended my first

Photoshop World in 2010.

I new from the moment I attended the opening ceremony last year, that I would be back again!

This year, I had the chance to go 2 days before the conferences started and spent time just roaming around, making pictures and hanging out.

Day 1:

Let me start my saying that the day before I flew out, I recieved and email giving me the opportunity to take a day trip with some FB friends that I had never met, (that's another story), to go to Nelson, just outside of Vegas with a bunch of photographers.

The added bonus for me was that Frank Doorhof a photographer from the Netherlands would also be there. I have been a fan of his fashion photography for sometime. To have the opportunity to watch him shoot in such a small group setting was incredible! I went, shot, watched and learned from a master. Yup I was right it was INCREDIBLE!

For me my first day in Vegas was very awesome. I met some of those facebook friends for the first time on the trip to Nelson. My friend Jackie flew in just in time to make it to a meet up at "The House of Blues" that evening . The same Facebook friends I met earlier that day and lots more gathered that night and I don't mean like one or two, I mean like 20 or more.

They were fun and friendly, greeted me with a hug or handshake and even teased me here and there like we were old friends. Starting off my week making so many new friends made the classes and the whole Photoshop World experience all the better.

I had friends to eat with everyday, sit with in classes and explore the expo floor with. It was like that old shampoo commerical the one that says I told two friends and they told two friends and so on and so on. That's how the week went from that night on. I met some friends and they shared their friends and I shared my friends and so on and so on and so on.

By the end of the week, it was impossible to be in a room and not know at least 15 or 20 people. Ah the power of social networking! Got to love it.

DAY 2:

Headed out to the Valley of Fire first thing in the morning with my friend Jackie. We spent the entire morning rambling through the desert with no goal other than to at some point see the Hoover Dam and take great pictures.

Working as a portrait photographer, it's been a long time since I shot any kind of landscapes. The desert yielded the most beautiful scenery and colors I have ever seen.

I broke out my tripod and did some HDR shots. Loving the warmth of the sun on my face and having no where to be. We sat at some points and just enjoyed the moment. Not even taking a single photograph. At other times we shot tons of the same scene just trying to show the beauty of it.

(Here are some of my favorites)

We did make it to the Hoover Dam that day too! Just the size and height of it was breath- taking. We walked along the top and made sure to cross into Arizona so we could say we did it and entered a different time zone.

It was hokey but it made

us laugh.

DAY 3:

PHOTOSHOP

WORLD BEGINS!

This year, I had the added bonus of making it into the finals for the Guru Award in the photography category. It all started when I recieved and email from the Kelby Media group informing me that I was one of 3 photographers vying for the Guru which would be announced at the opening Keynote ceremony. I didn't tell anyone for a few days for fear if I said it out loud it would go away. I finally told friends after reading that email for the 100th time. It was unbelieveable news to me.

In the photography world, I can only equate it to feeling like I made it to the academy awards. Sitting in a special section seeing your image up on the big screens and hearing them say my name and show my entry was unreal. It's true it is an honor to be considered even though the Guru went to someone else. I will never forget the moment.

This is the display outside the expo that showed all the finalists.

Below is the image that I submitted was a 14-1/2 minute long exposure taken in Quebec at the Basillica of Saint Anne DeBeaupre' a place believed to be the site of miracles. It was very simply called "The Blue Basillica". Getting that email was like my mini miracle.

With the Opening Ceremony over, classes began. I sat in on sessions with some of my photographic heros. Learned from some of the best photographers and instructors in the industry. They were fun, engaging and very approachable. They welcomed our thoughts and comments eagerly and encouragingly.

Between classes everyday, the expo floor opened. The highlight was the Westcott lighting booth. The booth was set up with 4 bays to shoot with different models each day. That seemed to be the place where we would gather and hang out with new friends and old, shooting, laughing & just creating chaos when the models left the booth we would jump in and photograph each other it was hysterical. Below are some of my favorite shots of the models and friends.

And so it went for 3 full days. Learning, shooting, laughing and networking. We wrapped up our conferences on Friday afternoon. I said goodbye to my new friends and old. The week was unforgettable more for the friends I made than for the classes I took. Spending a week in the company of my peers has always been what Photoshop World is all about. I learned that my first time there, it was reinforced this year when I spent the week hanging with the "cool kids" and you know who you are!

Late Friday night I flew out on the red-eye first to Boston and then on to home and family in Maine. If you asked how I spent my last few hours from 5 to midnight in Vegas before heading to the airport my answer would be with friends and a camera in my hand.

Here are some of the last shots from Vegas!

Mentors, Peers & Proteges' (The 1-2-3 Recipe)

8/4/2011 11:10:00 PM

Mentors

Peers & Proteges'

(The 1-2-3 Recipe)

I have been thinking of the many things both good and bad that have brought me to the life of a full-time professional photographer.

Honestly, once I passed the initial leap of faith to jump in, experienced and survived the never-ending expenses of starting a business in an extremely difficult financial climate, not to mention the cost of equipment and trying to keep up with new technology that gives everyone the ability to snap a photo at will via laptop, cell phone, ipod not to mention a multitude of toys that render image making available even to the smallest child, it really has made me stronger and better at my craft, and has kept me pushing to be better and better.

I bought my first digital camera many years ago after tucking my film camera away. People told me taking pictures with this new technology is a easy as: 1-2-3

Looking back at it now, that may actually have been a VERY true statement...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For me the 1-2-3 that brought me to be a Professional Photographer has included the

following ingredients:

1) My Mentors:

I truly believe that everyone no matter what your path in life may be, should have a mentor. I have been fortunate enough to have two that have guided me along the way. I believe that a good mentor is someone who shares wisdom when times are hard, teaches you patience and helps you understand concepts and ideas that you may struggle for years to attain without guidance and support. A mentor should inspire and encourage you, be someone you can hang out with and ask questions without feeling inadequate. Having a mentor(s) is the best way to find answers to questions that clarify your vision and aid in you in achieving your personal/professional goals.

Professionally, doing business requires skills, as a beginner, I was lucky have my mentors serve as my guides. We all encounter a client who reject our work or proposal, we all deal with having computer crashes, equipment failures, or it just may even be that a reader hated your blog post. (hope you don't)

During these times, we all need someone to turn to for advice, someone who has been there and survived the crashes and uncertainty. Believe me, this is very important. It is a very good thing to have someone to work things through with.

Ingredient #2 ~

My Peers

Being a member of professional communities has allowed me to find others that consider me an equal and treat me as a theirs. Be it a fellow novice or master in your chosen craft. Having a peer group has value beyond belief. It allows to you connect with others that are on the same wave length and share your love of craft.

Having a friend who you consider to be of equal caliber is a great thing. You can spend all day talking about equipment and technology, rant about the things that irk you, or even jokingly insult each other in a constructive way. This is actually healthy, because having a friend who is close to your skill set (or slightly above you) is what will keep you evolving.

Ingredient #3 ~

Having A Protegé

Nothing beats having a person to teach the important things in life and career to, someone you can guide along the path he/she really wants to take. Because you have been there once, you can easily guide someone who is about to follow a similar path. Plus young people have lots of wild ideas that may help you remain creative.

For every established photographer, I hope that you have one or two beginners that you are teaching. Even if you don't see yourself as a Mentor, sharing information, ideas and skills with someone eager to learn, grow and succeed in your profession is a worthy course to take.

Remembering the mentors that have helped you along the way and having a "Paying it Forward" attitude will bring you great

personal and professional satisfaction.

I personally will always look to my Mentors with undying thanks, enjoy the warmth and acceptance of my peers and encourage and support younger generations in the their endeavors to achieve their dreams.

For some this may seem obvious, to others it might not, but I wouldn’t be on my current path without the help I have received from others along the way.

How to take the Pain out of Pictures!

5/28/2011 11:19:00 AM

How to make the

MOST
out of being photographed

Or what we like to call

"How to Take the Pain

Out of Pictures"

For everyone that has ever had

to have a THEIR photo taken... THIS BLOG'S FOR YOU!

Yup! We're talking pictures that you

have no control over but have to have done.

Membership & Association I.D.s
Press Releases
Head Shots for Business Cards & Advertising
Newspaper Articles
Company I.D Badges &
Of course, the DREADED DRIVER'S LICENSE PHOTO!!!!

If you have always thought that you look terrible in pictures or are not photogenic, then we have good news:

There are some basic tips that you can follow to get the most out of being photographed, whether on a shoot, for I.D. photos or even in your own family snapshots!

HERE ARE OUR TOP (3) HINTS TO HELP YOU OUT!

BE PREPARED!

Nobody has to know that you practiced smiling in the mirror. Look in the mirror, what angles make your face/body look best.

Take a look at how you stand naturally, fold your arms, bend a knee, turn slightly sideways,

just tipping your head can change the whole

shape of your face.

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?

Wear something that you are totally comfortable in. Avoid new things, like hair styles or, changes in your makeup at the last minute. Have your hair cut at least 7 days before your photo to give it a chance to settle and have some natural regrowth.

TRY TO RELAX!

To get a great shot, you have to relax. A fake smile or rigid expression will look odd so it’s vital that you try to have fun. Think of being photographed as a fun way to capture a moment in time, for whatever reason, so lose yourself in it and you will shake off your awkwardness.

Physically shaking out your arms and legs can help let go of tension. Try it between pictures. Remember to relax your face often, if you try to hold that smile for too long it will just look SCARY !

Why Saving the Date ~ Can Save Your Guests Time & Money

5/20/2011 10:13:00 AM

What Does

"Save-the-Date" Mean?

And How Can It

Help My Guests?

What is "Save the Date"

& Why should I?

"Save the Date" is a simple card that is sent out prior to sending your official Wedding invitations.

It literally tells your guests to hold a particular date open on their calendar so they don't schedule anything else in the meantime. It is a great way to let people know when you are planning your wedding so they too can plan ahead.

The importance of save-the-dates for destination weddings or weddings several hours from your area is obvious. Guests from out of state will have to travel to your wedding whether it be in an adjoining state or somewhere further away. Keep this in mind. Your guests will require more time out of their schedule (and more money out of their budgets) than if the wedding were close by. Your guests will need extra time to plan.

How do Save the Date Cards work?

It is recommended that your cards go out six months to a year before the your wedding day especially if you are planning an exotic/tropical or far away location that will require fights and hotel bookings. Will give you guests plenty of time to budget and plan their itineraries.

Why Save the Date Cards

are Perfect for

Destination Weddings

For destination Weddings, save-the-date cards can really

help build excitement for guests planning to attend.

In addition to the date and place, I give to the opportunity to include information about hotels, travel agent contacts, special room rates, sightseeing and local activities.

Here is a very important thing to remember:

People often ask ask whether they really must follow through and actually send everyone an invitation

who received a save-the-date card in advance. The answer is "YES".

Especially in cases where you are asking guests to commit extra time and expense

that they otherwise might not.

So if you tell someone to save the date, then you really do have to invite them.

Why You Should Consider an Engagement Photo Session

5/14/2011 10:28:00 PM

Why You Should

Consider an

Engagement Photo Session

& Hints to Make it Great!

Congratulations

on your

Engagement!

As you start the flurry of activities

and planning that leads up to your Wedding Day, we recommend couples schedule an engagement

photo session.

This session can be very valuable for the following reasons:

It gives you great images for "save the date" cards,

and can be used if you choose to do a "wedding website"

or send announcements to the newspaper in your area.

More importantly...

It also gives you a chance to interview potential photographers to hire

for your Wedding Photography.

A professional Photographer/Studio will not only help you with

your engagement photo but will also prove to be EVEN MORE valuable as you plan your Wedding.

The following hints will get you started:

Here's "Our top ~ 8" to make it Great!

Make it Yours:

The finished photos should reflect your personalities,

remember to showcase the things that make you special as a couple.

Likes, interests, favorite places.

Do you want to be photographed at the park, the location of your first date,

have a studio engagement shoot, or at another location with special memories?

Relax:

Seriously, sounds easy but it is great advice.

This is a happy and fun time filled with anticipation and excitement as you plan for your future.

Have FUN ~ BREATHE ~ RELAX ~ ENJOY!

Practical Things to Remember:

Get some rest, drink lots and lots of water! It will help to keep you fresh and hydrated.

Your skin will look healthier and lively.

Planning for your Wedding can be a very magical and STRESSFUL time.

Take care of your body and mind.

Ask for a Consultation to Meet Your Photographer:

Take time to meet in person before your session to get comfortable with each other.

If you do not have time, make sure you chat on the phone at length to work our the details of your session.

Share your vision, personality and style.

Remember you are the client,

ask for what you want to get out of your session.

A Professional Photographer will be able to meet your requests with ease.

What to Wear?

Try to choose clothing that is color coordinated.

Your images will be much more cohesive and look great.

You might want to consider shopping and picking your outfits together.

Depending on your photographer, you may have the option of bringing casual and dress clothes.

Makeup Hints:

Wear Some!

Even if you normally prefer to go without, a light base and some mascara

will add life to your face and eyes.

A bit of foundation will even your skin tone and powder will reduce shine.

Bring whatever you apply with you for your photo session to the session.

Avoid makeup with sunscreen because they have a reflective qualities.

Cut Loose:

Remember that this is a happy time!

Do some more traditional photos and then cut loose and show the real you.

You may not use the carefree crazy images for your "save the date" or "announcement" photo but remember there is no better time

to have fun and rejoice in your future.

Show the World How you Feel:

The whole idea of having your engagement pictures taken is to show the world that you are in LOVE and have an amazing future ahead. Why not be flirty, mushy and sappy. Relax and be close. Let this be a time to share quiet moments casually as a couple before your formal Wedding day arrives.

We hope that these hints will help you prepare

for your photo session & give you images that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Show the world how in LOVE you are!

L&H Photography offers a complimentary

Engagement Session with a mounted 11"x14" print

for couples that book their 2011 Wedding with us.

SENIOR PORTRAITS ~ "Helpful Hints"

4/30/2011 10:42:00 PM

Senior Portraits

"Helpful Hints"

What do I wear?

The most important thing to remember about picking outfits for you senior session is that YOU like and are comfortable in them. We recommend you bring both casual and dressy outfits.

Guys - For casual and outdoor photos, comfort is the rule - jeans, shirts, sweaters, shorts, sweatshirts.

Girls - bring the colors and outfits you feel best in!

Think about dresses, (even formals ones from dances work great),

Choose sweaters and blouses for a more traditional look.

Choose skirts, jackets, jeans and pants.

Don't wear very short sleeves, because they make you arms look larger, especially women.

If you like an outfit, it's probably because you look good in it,

so make sure you bring it!

Shoes - Shoes should match your outfit. I may be necessary to bring different shoes with you. For casual posing, consider going barefoot.

What Else Can I Bring?

THIS IS WHERE THE FUN BEGINS!

We work very hard to bring out the various facets of your personality. So make sure you bring your favorite hat, musical instrument, sunglasses, wheels, uniform, sports equipment,

or anything else you think will show the REAL you!

No idea is too crazy,

why not try a few poses that are different, you have nothing to lose.

We say so go for it!

Remember to bring your favorite music, we have a CD player in the studio.

Can I Bring Someone With Me?

Please Do!

We recommend you bring your Mom, Dad, a friend, brother or sister along

to make sure you feel comfortable at your session.

What about a Suntan?

Over tanning can darken your skin unnaturally, dries your hair, and can give a shiny and greasy look that shows bags under your eyes. Strap marks will show as white marks on draped poses or bare shoulder poses. Tan lines cannot be easily retouched. Keep your tan even and don't overdo the sun for a portrait, it looks great, but use in moderation. If you get sunburned right before you portrait appointment, we suggest you reschedule.

What about my Make Up & Hair?

Hair - try to have your haircut one week before your session, to give it a to settle and fill in a little.

Stay away form doing radical changes in your hair style. You may want to wait to make big style changes till after you have seen your proofs.

Make-up - Here's a quick easy way to make you photo look better. Stand about 2 or 3 feet in front of the mirror. If you can see them in the mirror, you will see them in the photography. If you see a blemish, use cover up make to tone down the red spots. It will work great! Don't apply too heavy a layer. (professional retouching can be used if needed after your pictures have been chosen.

Lipstick is always recommended, but go easy on the the black eyeliner. It makes you eyes look smaller. Use powder to minimize shine.

REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR MAKE UP WITH YOU FOR TOUCH UPS.

If you have any other questions,

please contact Trish or Jim at L&H Photography, LLC

207-357-1331